banana – Oven Love https://www.ovenloveblog.com from scratch, with love...and a little sass Tue, 21 Apr 2015 20:19:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.7.29 Banana No-Bake Cookies (No Refined Sugar) https://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-no-bake-cookies-no-refined-sugar/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-no-bake-cookies-no-refined-sugar/#comments Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:30:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-no-bake-cookies-no-refined-sugar/
I’ve got another sugarless baking experiment for you today, imaginary internet pal!
I know you’ve been there- middle of the afternoon, no snacks handy, craving hits.. and you think to yourself, “how can I make myself a treat before the kids wake up??”
I immediately thought of no-bake cookies (and also thought I was some kind of genius for coming up with that.. DUH, Natalie.). The banana takes the place of refined sugar in this recipe. If you’re not into the whole sweeten-stuff-with-bananas thing, this recipe isn’t for you. The banana isn’t overpowering, but you can taste it in there.
I was a fan, husband was a fan, toddler was a fan. They tasted plenty sweet to us without the sugar, but that could be because we aren’t eating any real sugar and our taste buds have changed. I had a little cookie-fruit-pizza-bite-thingy yesterday morning at MOPS (you’ve been on Pinterest, you know what I’m talking about) and it tasted SO SWEET. A month ago, I would have downed a handful of them and started looking for something else. Hooray for detoxing!
If you’re looking for a quick and refined-sugar free cookie, give this one a try. But it’s okay if you don’t- I know my girl Marianne will (this post is really just for her anyways). Better get crackin’- nap time is almost over..
Banana No-Bake Cookies (No Refined Sugar)
 
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adapted from Back to Her Roots
Author:

Ingredients
  • 1 medium banana, cut into chunks
  • ½ cup chocolate chips/chunks
  • 3 tablespoons nut butter (I used PB)
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 to 1½ cups rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)

Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine banana chunks, chocolate chips, nut butter, chia seeds, milk and salt. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until just beginning to bubble.
  2. Using a fork, mash the bananas in chocolate mixture until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, add in vanilla.
  3. Stir in 1 cup oats until well-coated. If the mixture seems a bit runny, add up to ½ cup more oats until the mixture is scoop-able.
  4. Spoon rounded tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper and let cool in the fridge or freezer until firm. Enjoy the cookies right away or keep refrigerated.

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Raspberry Ice Pops https://www.ovenloveblog.com/raspberry-ice-pops/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/raspberry-ice-pops/#comments Wed, 15 Aug 2012 10:44:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/raspberry-ice-pops/
I wish I had a separate freezer that I could dedicate to frozen treats.
Or maybe an ice cream cart right in my living room? Umbrella and all.
Sounds completely normal.I had to do some major freezer reorganizing last week- not due to popsicle excess (I wish!), but because we bought a 1/4 cow and that baby needed some space. I took out all of our ice packs, the ice cream machine insert, some old freezer burned stuff and a bag of frozen raspberries.As you can guess, those raspberries turned into popsicles and went right back into the freezer.
What can I say? I needed a reward for my hard work.

All I did for these pops was spin up the frozen raspberries in a food processor with a banana and a little bit of honey. You can add a bit of yogurt, too, if you like. We ate some of it straight out of the food processor- it was like sorbet and completely divine. So if you want to forgo the popsicle process all together, I don’t blame you. Why wait?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go google “living room ice cream cart” and “gourmet popsicle freezer.”
Raspberry Ice Pops
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients
  • 1½ cups frozen raspberries
  • 1 banana (may or may not be frozen)
  • 1-3 tablespoons honey
  • a few spoonfuls of yogurt (optional)

Instructions
  1. In a food processor, combine raspberries and banana and puree until smooth. Add honey to taste and yogurt (if using) and puree to combine. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until firm or eat right away (it will have the consistency of soft serve sherbet).

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Avocado Banana Bread https://www.ovenloveblog.com/avocado-banana-bread/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/avocado-banana-bread/#comments Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:39:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/avocado-banana-bread/
Something strange happened last week.
I had leftover AVOCADOS. That never happens, like, ever.
We were heading out of town for a few days and I needed to use them up quickly. While I have used frozen avocado before with success (just mash and freeze flat in a freezer bag), I wanted to make something we could snack on in the car and for breakfast during our trip (breakfast guac?). I also had a borderline-gross banana looking to be used, and I thought.. avocado banana bread? Why not?
Why not, indeed!
It may seem like there are a lot of ingredients, but it’s worth rummaging around your cupboards to find everything. The avocado gives the bread richness and color- I love the bright specks of avocado peeking out in each slice. They almost remind me of pistachios- next time I’ll throw some of those in, too.
The ingredients come together quickly, but of course, it takes an hour to bake, plus cooling time.. so you’ll have to wait a bit before you dig in. I know they call them quick breads because they mix up quickly, but they should really be called it’s-going-to-be-really-hard-to-wait-for-this-to-cool-before-you-stuff-your-face breads. Just my opinion.
Hopefully you have an extra avocado around waiting to be baked up into this bread.
I would also recommend just smashing it up on some toast with sea salt.
And I’ll bring the breakfast guac back on the table- that’s a solid option, too.
Avocado for president!
Avocado Banana Bread
 
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inspired by Kale & Cardamom
Author:

Ingredients
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour (freshly ground, if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • ½ cup roughly mashed avocado
  • ½ cup mashed banana
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt at room temperature
  • ¼ cup coconut oil (in liquid state)
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts)
  • ¼-1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used minis)

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper rubbed lightly with oil.
  2. Whisk together flour baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, avocado, banana, yogurt, oil, honey, vanilla and lemon juice until combined, making sure all ingredients are at room temperature so the coconut oil doesn’t harden.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, being careful not to overmix. Stir in the nuts and chocolate chips.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about an hour or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before slicing.

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Banana Carob Brownies https://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-carob-brownies/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-carob-brownies/#comments Tue, 24 Jul 2012 17:31:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/banana-carob-brownies/
I’ve been a little scared to get back to baking. My brain is trained to grab the sugar immediately!
But I am retraining.. and grabbing the honey instead.
These brownies came about after a long internet search for a brownie recipe without refined sugar. I found black bean brownies, gluten-free brownies, vegan brownies.. but nothing seemed to be appropriate for me. So I started my own little brownie experiment.
These brownies are made with whole wheat flour, carob powder, mashed banana, honey and olive oil- a little different than your typical ingredients. The texture is not like your traditional brownie (I don’t know if you can ever really get that signature brownie bite without refined sugar), but it is pleasing, and doesn’t leave that sugary coating on your mouth.
I hesitate in calling these “healthy” – I am finding that word means many different things to different people and doesn’t really define food anymore. I do believe they are nourishing, won’t give you a crazy sugar rush and are appropriate as a daily treat or snack. If you want to cut back on the sugar a bit, these are a good way to ease into it.
I’m getting back in my baking groove..
surely some sweet, strange concoctions are on the way.
5.0 from 2 reviews

Banana Carob Brownies
 
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Author:

Ingredients
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup carob powder (cocoa powder can be substituted, carob is what I had on hand)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup mashed banana (about 3 small bananas)
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup mini carob or chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour, carob powder, cinnamon, baking powder and salt. In another medium bowl, whisk mashed banana, honey, olive oil, vanilla and eggs. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add the carob/chocolate chips and/or nuts. Spread into the prepared pan
  3. Bake brownies for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pull the full pan of brownies out to cool completely on a rack. Cut brownies when cool and serve. Keep in an airtight container.

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Frozen Banana Pops on MPMK https://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-banana-pops-on-mpmk/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-banana-pops-on-mpmk/#comments Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:18:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-banana-pops-on-mpmk/
Come on over to MPMK today for some fun frozen treats!
Some of them are even healthy enough to eat for breakfast. 🙂
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Frozen Smoothie Bags https://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-smoothie-bags/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-smoothie-bags/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:53:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/frozen-smoothie-bags/
I am very excited to share this idea with you today! If you are looking to streamline your morning routine or looking for a quick and healthy mini-meal or snack for the kids, pay attention! This is a good one.
I was inspired to make these frozen smoothie bags by The Tidy Nest‘s make-ahead freezer smoothies and Muffin Tin Mania‘s green smoothie cups. I love having ready-made smoothies waiting in the freezer instead of pulling out tons of ingredients and making a big mess. All you need to do is empty the contents of your bag into a blender and add juice or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Easy and healthy- a win/win.
The green smoothie cubes are my favorites (you’ll find the procedure for freezing yogurt and the green cube recipe at the end of the post). If you haven’t been brave enough to try a green smoothie yet, I assure you that the greens give each smoothie a healthy punch without changing the flavor. It’s a great way to add greens to your diet if you or your kids* don’t typically enjoy their taste.
*Kid Tip- if your kids won’t touch anything green in color, put one of these smoothies in a cup with a lid where the color is undetectable and they’ll never know the difference! I also recommend these Sili Squeeze containers if your kids like the disposable squeeze pouches- I fill them up with smoothies and my little guy loves it.
Here are a few of the smoothie bag combinations that I like to have on hand.
 Tropical Smoothie Bag:
pineapple, mango, banana and yogurt cubes. add orange juice or coconut milk.
(if you omit the mango and use coconut milk, you’ve got a Pina Colada bag!)
 Green Smoothie Bag:
kiwi, pineapple, banana, green cubes and yogurt cubes. add white grape juice or milk.
(you can also add other green items- celery, green apple, etc.)
 Mango Berry Smoothie Bag:
strawberries, raspberries, mango, green cube and yogurt cubes. add orange juice or milk.
Here are a few other ideas for smoothie combinations:
Mixed Berry Smoothie Bag: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and/or blackberries and yogurt cubes. add pomegranate juice.
Orange Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bag: strawberries, bananas and yogurt cubes. add orange juice.
Blue Banana Smoothie Bag: blueberries, bananas and yogurt cubes. add pomegranate juice.
If you’re wondering how much of each item to add to your bag, don’t worry too much about it. Each of my bags has about 1-2 cups of fruit, a few yogurt cubes (depending on the size) and 1-2 green cubes. The amount of smoothie that you get with each bag will vary anyways, depending on how much liquid you add, so don’t worry about exact measurements. Just have fun with it!
*Note: If you’re wondering what mold I used to get the bigger yogurt cubes, I use these Beaba freezer trays. These are excellent for freezing purees of any kind, especially if you want a larger portion than what you can get with an ice cube tray. The little heart cubes are made using a heart mold from the $1 section at Target and the green cubes are made with a silicone mini-muffin tray like this one.

Procedure for Freezing Fresh Fruit:
Wash fruit well and pat dry. Cut off any unwanted skins or stems. Chop into small slices or pieces and place on a baking sheet. Do not allow the fruit pieces to touch each other. Freeze until firm. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a freezer-safe plastic bag and store in the freezer.
 
Procedure for Freezing Yogurt:
Spoon or pour yogurt into a mini-muffin tin, ice cube tray or flexible silicone mold. Freeze until firm. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes and remove from the mold (try to avoid running hot water over the mold, it can melt the yogurt). Place in a freezer-safe plastic bag and store in the freezer.

Green Smoothie Cubes
by Oven Love

Ingredients:

  • leafy greens of your choice- spinach, kale, swiss chard, etc
  • liquid of your choice- yogurt, milk, juice or water

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the greens and liquid. Process until smooth, adding extra yogurt or liquid as needed. Spoon or pour the green mixture into a mini-muffin tin, ice cube tray or flexible silicone mold. Freeze until firm. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes and remove from the mold (try to avoid running hot water over the mold, it can melt the mixture). Place in a freezer-safe plastic bag and store in the freezer.

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Spinach Kale and Pear Smoothie https://www.ovenloveblog.com/spinach-kale-and-pear-smoothie-2/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/spinach-kale-and-pear-smoothie-2/#comments Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:56:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/spinach-kale-and-pear-smoothie-2/
Green drink!
Are you in, loves?
My last attempt at a green smoothie wasn’t exactly what I hoped for.
So, I picked myself up and found some more green inspiration.
Kale. Spinach. Pear. YUM.
This smoothie looks very green, but you don’t actually taste any of the green stuff.  All I really tasted was the pear and banana- how crazy is that?  This drink is packed with some serious nutrition and is the most beautiful green color.  If you can get past the idea of drinking vegetables, you should give this one a try.
And, believe it or not, my spunky little one-year-old could not get enough of this smoothie.  He literally drank six ounces without breaking a sweat.  I’m pretty sure he’s the only baby on the block drinking kale smoothies.. maybe I should ask around?
Look at that little baby hand reaching up for his smoothie!
Adorable.
Try the green drink!

 

Spinach Kale and Pear Smoothie
 
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only slightly adapted from Joy the Baker.
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Serves: 2

Ingredients
  • 1 cup packed spinach
  • 1 cup chopped, packed kale
  • 1½ cups milk (dairy or non-dairy, you could sub fruit juice as well)
  • ½ pear
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or honey)

Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine kale spinach and almond milk.  Blend until no big kale bits remain.  Stop blender and add banana honey and pear.  Blend until smooth.  Enjoy immediately.

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Vegan CocoNana Mini Muffins https://www.ovenloveblog.com/vegan-coconana-mini-muffins-2/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/vegan-coconana-mini-muffins-2/#comments Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:49:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/vegan-coconana-mini-muffins-2/
Even though I’m not living the vegan lifestyle anymore, I’m still finding ways to enjoy vegan recipes in my diet.  I saw this recipe this morning on Miss Mary‘s blog and I had to jump right in and make them!  They looked delicious and simple, and they were.
The name CocoNana refers to the coconut milk, cocoa and banana in the recipe(the title of the original post was way too long and boring).  I made just a few changes to Mary’s recipe- I used white whole wheat flour, added chocolate chips and upped the cinnamon a good bit.  I also loved the idea of baking these as minis.  They are a perfect small bite for the kids and you can easily pass them off as dessert.
The best thing about this vegan recipe is that you don’t have to use any strange, unfamiliar ingredients.  You might have everything in your pantry (or an easy substitute).  Thanks, Mary, for the excellent idea!

(adapted from The Food Librarian and Love&Olive Oil)

Vegan CocoNana Mini Muffins
 
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adapted from The Food Librarian and Love&Olive Oil. Makes about 32 mini muffins.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert, Breakfast, Snack
Serves: 32

Ingredients
  • ½ cup ripe banana (about 1 banana)
  • ½ cup coconut milk (feel free to sub another milk if you like, dairy or non-dairy)
  • ⅓ cup canola oil, melted butter, ghee or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (use all-purpose if you don’t have this on hand)
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • ¾ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line mini muffin tins with mini muffin cups.
  2. In a small bowl, mash the banana. Whisk in coconut milk, canola oil, vanilla and sugar. In a larger bowl, sift in white whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
  3. Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients in the center and mix with a spatula until just combined- don’t overmix! Quickly fold in the chocolate chips. Use a small ice cream scoop/melon baller to fill the mini muffin cups. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on wire racks and serve.

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Part-Time Vegan, Day 4 https://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-4-2/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-4-2/#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 23:31:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-4-2/   I ate too many cookies today.
‘Cause, you know.. sugar’s vegan. (Woo hoo!)
Breakfast was a peanut butter banana wrap with almond milk.
Lunch was the salad bar at Lane’s.
Snack was (too many!!) vegan chocolate chip cookies.
Dinner was leftover pasta.
Let me just tell you about this banana wrap.  I make this for breakfast ALL. THE. TIME.  It’s my go-to, seriously.  Thank goodness I can still eat it!  I usually use honey, but I can handle the small switch to agave nectar.  So, so easy and quick- a great snack, and a hit with the little ones.
And these chocolate chip cookies?  Hold the phone.  I didn’t know butter-less, egg-less cookies could be so yummy!  They remind me of my pumpkin chocolate chip giants without the pumpkin.  Where have these been all my life?  Someone restrain me.
Things I learned today:
Vegan baking can be pretty awesome.
I need more nutrients (even with all my vitamins above, haha).. I’m tired!  But that could also be all the running around after my baby, who knows.
The vegan trial is really making me think about what I’m putting in my mouth.  If I’m not sure, I won’t eat it, but if I’m sure, I might overdo it (seriously, someone hide the cookies).  I should really apply the discernment to my normal diet.
Recipes below..
 
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
 
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adapted from Steph Chows
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Serves: 24

Ingredients
  • ⅓ cup sugar (I used organic)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup canola oil, coconut oil, melted butter or ghee
  • ¼ cup apple butter (apple sauce would probably work, too)
  • ½ cup almond milk (or non dairy milk of your choice… or use milk, they just wont be vegan anymore)
  • 2 Tbs cornstarch
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white whole wheat flour (or regular whole wheat flour)
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions
  1. Mix sugars and oil for a minute, then add in milk and tapioca flour, beat until all incorporated. Add half the flour baking soda, salt and mix well. Add in remaining dry and then fold in chocolate chips.
  2. Drop rounded tablespoonfulls of dough onto parchment paper or a silicon baking mat, press down slightly with your fingers. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

 

Peanut Butter Banana Wrap
 
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Author:
Recipe type: Snack
Serves: 1

Ingredients
  • 1 soft whole wheat tortilla
  • 1 banana, peeled
  • 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1-2 teaspoons honey or agave nectar
  • 2-4 tablespoons granola or other crunchy cereal
  • also feel free to switch it up, adding dried fruit and nuts is a good option, too!

Instructions
  1. Spread your peanut butter on your wrap, sprinkle with honey or agave nectar, granola and any extras.  Wrap it up and enjoy!

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Part-Time Vegan, Day 3 https://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-3/ https://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-3/#comments Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:28:00 +0000 http://www.ovenloveblog.com/part-time-vegan-day-3/  Today didn’t start out as hungry as yesterday.
Maybe I’m starting to get used to it.. maybe?
Breakfast was an avocado smoothie and jelly toast.
Snack was wheat crackers and a strawberry popsicle.
Lunch was asparagus soup and a slice of leftover tart.
Dinner was chickpea saute with onions and kale, served over rice.
I have to tell you, I was so excited for the avocado smoothie!  People have really talked it up.  I don’t know if it was just this recipe, but I really wasn’t a fan.  At first I just didn’t like it at room temp, but I didn’t like it cold either.  The flavor combo just wasn’t for me.  Boo for a wasted avocado!
On a good note, I really liked lunch and dinner.  Both were quick.  Lunch was quick because I roasted extra asparagus while I was cooking the tart from last night, and dinner was just quick by nature.  I love a veggie saute and this one hit the spot!
 Things I learned today:
Beans make all the difference in a meal- praises for God’s genius, protein-packed creation.
 I need to plan better snacks.. I keep eating carbs!  Maybe fruit and PB tomorrow.
I still feel like something is missing in my diet.. maybe that will wear off, maybe not.
Enjoy the day’s recipes!
Avocado Smoothie
1 avocado
1 banana
1 kiwi
1 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
agave nectar or honey to taste
Begin by cutting into the avocado and scooping out the flesh. In the pitcher of a blender, place the avocado, banana, kiwi (peeled), 2 teaspoons of honey or agave and about 1 cup of almond milk, to start. Blend it up, adding a little more almond milk until your desired consistency is reached (I like mine super thick). Divide between two glasses, and serve.
(serves 2.)
Lemony Roast Asparagus Soup
adapted from A Foodcentric Life
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 pound previously roasted asparagus, a few tips reserved for garnish, the rest roughly chopped
1 cup vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
juice of 1/2 lemon, or more (to taste)

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and saute until translucent.  Add garlic and cook a minute longer.  Add the asparagus and broth and bring to a simmer.  Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.  Puree with a stick blender or in a stationary blender.  When pureed smooth, add lemon juice and puree once more.  Taste and season to your preference, adding more broth if you like your soup smoother (or cream, for a non-vegan option).

Chickpea Saute with Onions and Kale
by Oven Love, inspired by Ezra Pound Cake
serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 onions, thinly sliced
1-2 teaspoons sugar
1 bunch kale, chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
water, as needed
salt and pepper to tase

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium.  Add onions and cook until soft, about 10 minutes.  Add sugar.  Cook, stirring, another 10 minutes or until the onions begin to carmelize and turn golden brown.  Add kale and raisins, cooking until kale wilts, 3-5 minutes.  Add chickpeas and warm through.  Add water at any time if the vegetables being to stick.  Add salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately- alone or over a bed of pasta, rice, or even crusty bread.

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